SEOUL: South Korea said on Wednesday it would receive an additional 18 million barrels of oil from the United Arab Emirates through multiple supply channels as the US-Israel war on Iran disrupts global supplies and sends prices higher.&nbsp;About 70 percent of South Korea&#39;s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed since US-Israeli strikes began on February 28.&nbsp;&quot;The UAE will supply six million barrels via three UAE-flagged vessels, and an additional 12 million barrels will be delivered on six Korea-flagged vessels,&quot; Kang Hoon-sik, presidential chief of staff, said at a press briefing.&nbsp;They will deliver the oil through &quot;diversified supply channels&quot;, he said, declining to elaborate on the route.&nbsp;&quot;As 70 percent of the crude oil we import passes through the Strait of Hormuz, securing alternative supply routes that bypass the strait is urgently needed,&quot; he added.&nbsp;The world&#39;s eighth-largest consumer of crude oil has also struck an agreement with the UAE that would allow it to &quot;make emergency purchase of crude oil at any time.&quot;&nbsp;It follows an earlier deal to import around four million barrels of oil from the UAE and allows it to use up to two million barrels from jointly held strategic reserves that the UAE stores in South Korea upon request.&nbsp;The war has prompted Seoul to impose a fuel price cap for the first time in nearly 30 years.&nbsp;The country consumes around 2.5 million barrels per day as of the end of 2024, according to World meter.

Middle East

Asia

South Korea will receive 18 million barrels of oil from the UAE through multiple channels, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israel war on Iran, while securing emergency purchases and using strategic reserves to stabilize fuel supplies.

South Korea secures extra 18m barrels of oil from UAE

Web Desk/AFP

Donald Trump says Iran’s next supreme leader would need US approval to remain in power, drawing a sharp response from Tehran as clerics finalize a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the US-Israeli strikes that killed him.

All you need to know about Day 9 of US-Israeli war on Iran

Web Desk

<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;" id="isPasted">ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held separate telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran to discuss the evolving regional situation and stress the importance of peace and stability, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">&nbsp;<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">During his conversation with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dar expressed concern over recent attacks in the region, including those targeting the UAE, and conveyed Pakistan&rsquo;s solidarity with the UAE and its people.<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">&nbsp;<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">Both leaders emphasized the need to <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-urges-restraint-as-fm-dar-speaks-with-iranian-foreign-minister" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">maintain peace and stability</a> amid rising regional tensions.<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">&nbsp;<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">In a separate call, Dar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The two leaders discussed recent developments and exchanged views on the evolving situation.<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">&nbsp;<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">They agreed to remain in contact regarding the unfolding developments.<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">&nbsp;<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">Separately, the Pakistani foreign minister also spoke with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi and exchanged views on the regional situation.<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">&nbsp;<p style="scroll-behavior: auto !important; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;">AlBudaiwi appreciated Pakistan&rsquo;s strong partnership and solidarity with the GCC. Both sides underscored the importance of de-escalation and emphasized dialogue and cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in the southern coastal city of Tyre on March 7, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Foreign Affairs

Expresses concern over recent attacks in the region, including those targeting the UAE, and conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the UAE and its people.

Pakistani FM discusses regional tensions with UAE, Iranian counterparts

ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep concern over renewed military clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue to prevent further escalation in the region.&nbsp;In a statement issued Saturday, the UAE called for de-escalation and warned against actions that could further destabilize South Asia.&nbsp; The ministry stressed the importance of reason and diplomacy in resolving disputes, reaffirming the UAE&rsquo;s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening security, stability and development for both nations.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 730px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2027539408497627315&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9c71badaeab44631c36a928ea704ec4fb86ef973&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>The diplomatic appeal came as Pakistan carried out what officials described as its most extensive military strikes inside Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.&nbsp; Pakistani authorities said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-says-297-taliban-fighters-killed-in-afghanistan-strikes" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">operations targeted multiple locations</a>, including Kabul and Kandahar, in response to what they termed unprovoked cross-border attacks originating from Afghan territory. Islamabad declared a state of &ldquo;war footing,&rdquo; signaling heightened military readiness.&nbsp;Pakistani officials maintained that the strikes were defensive in nature and aimed at degrading militant capabilities allegedly being used to threaten Pakistan&rsquo;s national security. They emphasized that the operations fall within Pakistan&rsquo;s sovereign right to self-defense under international law. Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/trump-says-us-will-not-intervene-in-pakistanafghan-situation" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">signaled support for Islamabad&rsquo;s position</a>. The United States&rsquo; stance was formally conveyed by Allison Hooker, the US under secretary of state for political affairs, who said after talks with her Pakistani counterpart that the United States &ldquo;expressed support for Pakistan&rsquo;s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 321px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2027488449171730683&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=9c71badaeab44631c36a928ea704ec4fb86ef973&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>International reactions, however, were mixed. The European Union urged both sides to step back from further confrontation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue amid rising violence. &ldquo;The EU reiterates that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries and calls on the Afghan de facto authorities to take effective action against all terrorist groups operating in or from Afghanistan,&rdquo; Kallas said in a statement. Concerns were also voiced by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, both of which highlighted the humanitarian risks of escalating conflict. Britain, Norway and Azerbaijan similarly called for restraint and immediate de-escalation. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to contain tensions. China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have reportedly initiated contacts aimed at facilitating dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul.&nbsp;As regional and global stakeholders urge calm, Pakistan has reiterated that its actions are a necessary response to sustained cross-border aggression, while emphasizing its commitment to regional peace and stability. The evolving situation continues to draw close international scrutiny amid fears of broader instability in South Asia.

Pakistani soldiers patrol near the Pakistan–Afghanistan border crossing in Chaman on February 27, 2026, following overnight cross-border fighting between the two countries. (Photo: AFP)

Politics

The ministry stresses the importance of reason and diplomacy in resolving disputes, reaffirming the UAE’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening security, stability and development for both nations.


UAE calls for de-escalation amid renewed Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions

MOSCOW: The Kremlin on Monday said the US-brokered trilateral talks in the UAE between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators had been held in a &quot;constructive spirit&quot; but that there was still &quot;significant work ahead&quot;. &quot;It would be a mistake to expect any significant results from the initial contacts... But the very fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive spirit can be viewed positively. However, there is significant work ahead,&quot; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. The<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/us-ukrainian-and-russian-officials-to-meet-in-uae-kremlin" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer"> two-day meeting</a> in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday was the first time negotiators from Moscow and Kyiv have faced each other to talk about a plan being pushed by US President Donald Trump to end the nearly four-year war. The trilateral talks in the UAE will resume on February 1, according to a US official. &quot;I wouldn&#39;t say there was any friendliness there, it&#39;s hardly possible at this stage,&quot; Peskov said on Monday. &quot;But if you&#39;re trying to achieve something through negotiations, you need to speak constructively.&quot; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier that during the Abu Dhabi meeting, &quot;a lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive&quot;. On the eve of day two, Russian drones and missiles cut off millions from electricity in sub-zero temperatures, prompting Kyiv to accuse Moscow of undermining the negotiations. Kyiv said on Monday that Russia launched 138 drones at Ukraine&#39;s territory overnight, with hits &quot;recorded at 11 locations&quot; according to its air force.

This handout photograph taken and released by the UAE Presidential Court on January 23, 2026 shows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (C) speaking with the heads of delegations participating in the UAE-hosted trilateral talks between the US,

Europe

Russia said US-brokered talks with Ukraine in the UAE yielded no breakthroughs, with more work ahead, as both sides confirmed discussions would resume Feb 1 amid continued drone and missile attacks overnight.

Russia says Ukraine talks in UAE held in 'constructive spirit'

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake an official visit to the United Arab Emirates from Jan. 26&ndash;29, Pakistan&rsquo;s Foreign Office said on Monday, as the two countries seek to deepen cooperation across trade, security, and investment. Zardari will be accompanied by a high-level delegation and is scheduled to hold talks with the UAE leadership to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties, with a focus on economic partnership, defence and security cooperation, and people-to-people links, the statement said. Developments of mutual interest&nbsp; The discussions will also cover regional and international developments of mutual interest, the Foreign Office added.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/d3c2d0bc-1e3e-4221-bbe2-d6858e239c68-Screen Shot 2026-01-26 at 2.19.13 PM.png" alt="President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of COP29. (File Photo: X/@MIshaqDar50)" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of COP29. (File Photo: X/@MIshaqDar50)</figcaption></figure> Just days before the President&#39;s visit, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-uae-discuss-investments-ptcl" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">talks</a> in Abu Dhabi with Emirati officials, including discussions on Etisalat&#39;s ongoing investment in Pakistan and plans to expand through its stake in Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited. &quot;The visit of the President reaffirms commitment to transforming the strong friendship between Pakistan and the UAE into a mutually rewarding partnership,&quot; the Foreign Office spokesperson said in the curtain raiser. The trip follows a recent visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan, underscoring what the statement describes as the &quot;deep brotherly ties&quot; between the two nations. &quot;The visit reaffirms commitment to transforming the strong friendship between Pakistan and the UAE into a mutually rewarding partnership,&quot; the Foreign Office spokesperson said in the statement.

President Zardari meets UAE ambassador, reaffirms strong bilateral ties (file photo: APP)

The visit, scheduled for Jan. 26–29,  will include meetings with the UAE leadership to review bilateral ties and discuss issues of mutual regional and international interest.

Pakistan president to visit UAE for talks on trade, security and regional issues

DUBAI: The UAE&#39;s president has accepted an invitation to join US President Donald Trump&#39;s &quot;Board of Peace&quot;, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, the body meant to oversee post-war reconstruction in Gaza.&nbsp;The positive response comes amid controversy over the body, with Washington asking various leaders to sit on the Trump-chaired board on which a permanent seat costs $1.0 billion.&nbsp;Although originally meant to oversee Gaza&#39;s rebuilding, its charter does not seem to limit its role to the Strip, and appears to want to rival the United Nations.&nbsp;&quot;Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has accepted the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/us-president-trump-invites-pakistan-pm-to-join-gaza-peace-board" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">invitation</a>&nbsp;from the United States to join the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/trump-announces-board-of-peace-formed-for-gaza" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Board of Peace</a>,&quot; the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;The board&#39;s charter, seen by AFP, says that member countries will serve no longer than three years, subject to renewal by the chairman.&nbsp;However, the three-year restriction does not apply if they &quot;contribute more than USD $1,000,000,000 in cash funds to the Board of Peace within the first year of the Charter&#39;s entry into force&quot;.&nbsp;Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed said &quot;the UAE&#39;s decision reflects the importance of fully implementing President Donald J Trump&#39;s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which is critical for the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people&quot;.&nbsp;The oil-rich UAE is a top US ally in the region and one of the few Arab nations with official ties to Israel after signing the Abraham Accords during Trump&#39;s first term in 2020. But the UAE has continued to provide aid to the Gaza Strip, including with air drops when Israel limited land entry during the war.&nbsp;The UAE also has a state minister, Reem Al Hashimy, sitting on a subcommittee of the board.&nbsp;The board is a key phase two element of a US-backed peace plan to end the war in Gaza, which came into force on October 10 last year.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed accepted Trump's invitation to join the "Board of Peace" for Gaza reconstruction. Permanent membership requires $1 billion contribution. 

UAE president accepts US invitation to join 'Board of Peace'

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;The United Arab Emirates and India on Monday signed a major liquified natural gas supply agreement worth more than $2.5 billion, while reaffirming their ambition to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032. The 10-year <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/drone-strike-hits-iraq-gas-complex-cuts-supply-official" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">LNG deal</a> was signed between ADNOC Gas, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and India&rsquo;s state-run Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. Under the agreement, ADNOC Gas will supply 0.5 million metric tons of LNG annually to India. ADNOC Gas said the contract raises the total value of agreements supported and operated by the company to more than $20 billion and positions India as its largest natural gas customer. From 2029 onward, Indian companies are expected to account for just over one-fifth of ADNOC Gas&rsquo;s annual production capacity of 15.6 million tons. The agreement was finalized on the sidelines of a visit by <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/uae-president-al-nahyan-to-visit-pakistan-on-dec-26" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">UAE President</a> Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi, where he held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a joint statement, the two leaders welcomed the strong growth in trade since the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2022 and committed to doubling bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032. Beyond energy and trade, the two sides also moved to deepen strategic cooperation. India and the UAE signed a letter of intent to begin drafting a framework for a strategic defense partnership, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. The proposed agreement aims to expand defense collaboration across special operations, interoperability, cyberspace, and counterterrorism. Misri said the initiative was a natural progression of existing defense ties and not a response to any specific regional developments. The latest agreements underscore the rapidly expanding economic, energy, and strategic relationship between India and the UAE, reflecting growing alignment between the two countries across multiple sectors.

The two countries aim to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032.

UAE, India sign $2.5B LNG deal

PAX SILICA, a partnership built for the AI age. (x/@UnderSecE)

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The move signals a shift by energy-rich Gulf states toward securing artificial intelligence supply chains, semiconductor manufacturing, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure.

Qatar, UAE join Pax Silica alliance on global technology supply chains

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday held virtual consultations with his counterparts from T&uuml;rkiye, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on regional developments and underscoring the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in easing tensions, the Foreign Office said.&nbsp;The consultations took place while Dar is on an official visit to Beijing, where he is co-chairing the 7th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers&rsquo; Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to an earlier Foreign Office statement.&nbsp;During his separate conversations with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Dar discussed the evolving regional situation, the statement said.&nbsp;The foreign minister welcomed the Saudi position on Yemen and &ldquo;appreciated the efforts of all sides to resolve&rdquo; regional issues through peaceful means, the Foreign Office added.&nbsp;In a separate interaction with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dar exchanged views on the broader regional environment and expressed satisfaction over what the statement described as a &ldquo;positive trajectory&rdquo; and recent improvements in the situation.&nbsp;&ldquo;DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar appreciated that dialogue and diplomacy have resulted in tangible outcomes on the ground,&rdquo; the Foreign Office said, adding that Pakistan continues to support peaceful engagement and cooperative approaches to regional challenges.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar holds virtual talks with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and UAE, discussing regional developments and praising dialogue and diplomacy for easing tensions

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